Thermal degradation of ceramic slurry-coated polyurethane foam used in making reticulated porous SiC ceramics

A 25-μm-thick ceramic slurry-coated 12 ppi (pores per linear inch) polyurethane foam suitable for synthesis of oxide-bonded reticulated porous SiC ceramics was analysed by the thermal analysis techniques (thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis) up to 700 °C in air to investigate the polymer degradation reactions associated with the pyrolysis stage of the fabrication process. The kinetic parameters of the polymer degradation reactions were determined using the non-isothermal thermogravimetric data, and the degradation mechanism was evaluated. The effects of slurry coating on the foam degradation process were discussed, and slurry coating on foam was found to have insignificant effects on PUF degradation reactions.